When It Comes To Physical Activity, One Size Does Not Fit All

Date:

February 17, 2008

Source:

University of Alberta

Summary:

A new analyzing a sample of over 275,000 individuals, has found that when it comes to participation in physical activity, one size does not fit all. The study looked at a wide range of factors, including income, education and ethnicity, that influence whether a person decides to be physically active. It also examined the impact of government spending on parks and recreation on an individual's decision to participate in physical activity and sports.

Share:

Total shares:

FULL STORY

A new University of Alberta study, analyzing a sample of over 275,000 individuals, has found that when it comes to participation in physical activity, one size does not fit all.

"Our study uncovered some definite trends and preferences when deciding how and if a person wants to be physically active," says Brad Humphreys, an economics professor at the University of Alberta. "It is clear that different genders, ethnicities and income levels have very diverse influences and choices when it comes to being physically active."

The study, co-authored with U of A professor Jane Ruseski, looked at a wide range of factors, including income, education and ethnicity, that influence whether a person decides to be physically active, as well as their time spent being active. It also examined the impact of government spending on parks and recreation on an individual's decision to participate in physical activity and sports.

At a 57 per cent participation rate, walking was found to be the most common form of physical activity undertaken for exercise. Results suggest that participation in walking increases with age, indicating that programs aimed at promoting walking for exercise could appeal to older populations, says Humphreys.

"Choosing walking as the main form of physical activity may reflect the relatively low cost of this activity," says Humphreys. "Walking can be done in almost any setting under almost any condition without needing specialized equipment or facilities."

It was found that participation in all types of physical activities increased when a person had a higher level of income and that people with a post-secondary education participated in outdoor recreation activities more than high school graduates. As well, females were less likely to participate in outdoor recreation activities, group sports and individual sports than males.

"Compared to men, we found that females spent an average of 444 minutes fewer per week doing outdoor recreation, 108 minutes fewer spent on group sports and 74 minutes fewer on individual sports," says Humphreys. "This can be explained by child-care responsibilities and the fact that women spend almost an hour more on household activities compared to men per week."

"Our results have important implications for the design of government interventions aimed at increasing physical activity," says Humphreys. "When developing these programs, we must take into account North America's diverse population. A program that increases participation in one population, say older adults and retirees, in a particular state, may not have the same effect on young married minority couples in another state."

University of Alberta. "When It Comes To Physical Activity, One Size Does Not Fit All." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 February 2008. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213133344.htm>.

University of Alberta. (2008, February 17). When It Comes To Physical Activity, One Size Does Not Fit All. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 2, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213133344.htm

University of Alberta. "When It Comes To Physical Activity, One Size Does Not Fit All." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213133344.htm (accessed August 2, 2015).

July 31, 2015  School is just around the corner, which means backpacks and packed lunches await your children. One expert offers tips for parents to promote healthy dental habits while away from ... read more

July 29, 2015  By blocking the expression of a certain gene in patients, researchers have contributed to the demonstration of great decreases in the concentration of triglycerides in their ... read more

July 29, 2015  Viewing aquarium displays led to noticeable reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, a research team found in the first study of its kind. They also noted that higher numbers of fish helped to ... read more

Oct. 28, 2014  Swimming is the individual activity that most people would drop if they faced higher prices, a study concludes. But a similar increase in the cost of a workout or brisk walk would hardly dent ... read more

Oct. 17, 2013  A new study finds that physical activity in parks can be increased significantly by making modest investments in marketing, such as improve signage. The strategy included working with park users and ... read more

Jan. 18, 2011  Boys and girls who take part in physical activity with their best friend in the neighborhood where they live have higher levels of physical activity, new research by academics in the UK have ... read more